Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown lived up to a promise she made weeks ago and immediately started issuing marriage licenses Friday after U.S. District Court Judge Bernard Friedman struck down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage Friday.

“You’re so used to being told no,” Laura Quinn said. “It’s really lovely.”

As the line for marriage licenses moved forward in Oakland County, Nasir Khawaja, 43, and Mark Sarver, 53, of Southfield stood smartly in black suits, white shirts and black and red bow ties.

They've been together for 16 years and had considered going to Canada, New York or even Iowa to get married, but "marriage came to us in our state, thank God," Khawaja said.

Despite their belief that Michigan tends to be progressive, Khawaja said it had been lagging in the area of gay rights.

"It was a bit sad that Kentucky was ahead of us," he said.

Khawaja said he'll be thrilled at not have to stumble over an explanation about why he's driving Sarver's vehicle at the Canadian border.

"I'll be very happy to call him husband," he said.

Dana Nessel, who represented Jayne Rowse and April DeBoer in their legal fight to overturn the ban, also was at the Oakland County Courthouse in Pontiac. She posed for pictures with people in line and talked to others about their pending nuptials.

"This is the most amazing experience of my life, better than anything I could have hoped for," Nessel said, still trying to absorb the enormity of the day. "I could not be more thrilled for these people."

Nessel said she was shocked and pleased there was no stay to the ruling, noting that every couple married today would remain so legally.

"They can't take this away from them," she said.

Jess and Grace Wojcik, 29 and 27 respectively, of Farmington Hills were thrilled that county workers came in on what would normally be their day off to issue licenses, officiate and provide security.

Their now 4-year relationship was formalized during a commitment ceremony, which they considered their marriage, two years ago at Indian Springs Metropark in White Lake Township. With their sanctioned marriage today, they can claim the legal benefits on which they said they've missed out.

"We can't believe it honestly. Michigan just seems so far behind when it comes to LGBT rights," said Jess Wojcik.

Grace Wojcik added that the couple planned to celebrate and then "just go back and live the lives we've lived."